Apple’s macOS is packed with powerful features that can boost productivity, enhance security, and improve your overall computing experience. While many users stick to the basics, macOS has several hidden gems that can make your daily workflow smoother and more efficient.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the top macOS features you should be using to get the most out of your Mac. Whether you’re a casual user, a creative professional, or a power user, these features will help you maximize your efficiency.
1. Spotlight Search: The Ultimate Productivity Booster
Spotlight is more than just a file search tool—it’s a powerful command center that lets you launch apps, search the web, and perform quick calculations.
How to Use Spotlight Search
- Press Command (⌘) + Spacebar to open Spotlight.
- Type anything—from file names to math equations—and Spotlight will provide instant results.
- Use natural language queries like “files I opened last week” for more refined searches.
2. Universal Control: Seamless Multi-Device Experience
If you own multiple Apple devices, Universal Control allows you to control your iPad or another Mac using the same keyboard and mouse.
How to Enable Universal Control
- Go to System Settings > Displays > Advanced and turn on Allow your cursor and keyboard to move between any nearby Mac or iPad.
- Place your iPad or another Mac next to your main device, and your cursor will seamlessly move between screens.
This feature is perfect for creatives, allowing you to drag and drop files between devices effortlessly.
3. Stage Manager: Organized Multitasking
Stage Manager, introduced in macOS Ventura, helps you manage open windows efficiently by organizing them in a sidebar while keeping the active window in focus.
How to Use Stage Manager
- Open Control Center and enable Stage Manager.
- Active windows stay in the center while inactive ones are neatly arranged on the side.
- Easily switch between apps without cluttering your screen.
Perfect for multi-taskers who need a cleaner desktop!
4. Quick Look: Preview Files Instantly
No need to open an app just to check the contents of a file. Quick Look lets you preview files instantly.
How to Use Quick Look
- Select a file and press Spacebar to open a preview.
- Press Arrow Keys to browse through multiple files.
- Click “Open With” if you need to edit the file.
This is especially useful for previewing images, PDFs, and documents without launching a full application.
5. Focus Mode: Minimize Distractions
Tired of constant notifications? Focus Mode lets you silence distractions and stay productive.
How to Set Up Focus Mode
- Go to System Settings > Focus.
- Customize different modes (Work, Personal, Sleep, etc.).
- Set up automation so that Focus Mode turns on based on time, location, or app usage.
Ideal for deep work sessions, meetings, or winding down before bed.
6. AirDrop: Fast and Wireless File Transfers
Forget USB drives—AirDrop allows you to send files wirelessly between Apple devices.
How to Use AirDrop
- Open Finder > AirDrop.
- Set visibility to Contacts Only or Everyone.
- Drag and drop files onto a nearby Apple device.
Great for quickly sharing documents, images, and videos without email or cloud uploads.
7. Safari Tab Groups: Smarter Web Browsing
Tired of too many open tabs? Safari Tab Groups let you organize tabs into categories.
How to Use Safari Tab Groups
- Open Safari and click the Sidebar icon.
- Click New Tab Group and name it.
- Add relevant tabs to each group for easy organization.
This is perfect for research, work, or planning trips, keeping everything neatly grouped.
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8. Text Snippets: Save Time with Quick Responses
If you frequently type the same phrases or email responses, macOS lets you create text shortcuts.
How to Set Up Text Snippets
- Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Text Replacements.
- Click “+” to add a shortcut.
- Type a short phrase (e.g., “addr”) and its expanded text (e.g., your full address).
Next time you type “addr,” macOS will automatically expand it to your full address—a huge time saver!
9. Dictation: Type Without Typing
Want to take notes or send messages without typing? Dictation allows you to use voice-to-text.
How to Enable Dictation
- Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Dictation and turn it on.
- Press the Function (fn) key twice to start dictating.
Works great for hands-free note-taking, emails, and messages.
10. Screenshot & Screen Recording Tools
macOS has built-in screenshot and screen recording tools that eliminate the need for third-party apps.
How to Take Screenshots
- Command (⌘) + Shift + 3 → Take a full-screen screenshot.
- Command (⌘) + Shift + 4 → Select an area to capture.
- Command (⌘) + Shift + 5 → Open the screenshot toolbar (for screen recording and advanced options).
Perfect for presentations, tutorials, and capturing important info quickly.
11. iCloud Drive: Sync Files Across Devices
iCloud Drive keeps your files accessible across all your Apple devices.
How to Use iCloud Drive
- Go to System Settings > Apple ID > iCloud.
- Enable iCloud Drive and select the folders you want to sync.
Access your files from any device, ensuring seamless productivity.
12. Password Manager: Secure and Autofill Your Credentials
macOS has a built-in password manager that securely stores login credentials.
How to Access Password Manager
- Open System Settings > Passwords.
- View or manage saved passwords.
- Use Safari’s built-in Autofill for quick logins.
No need for third-party apps—macOS keeps your passwords safe and easily accessible.
13. Sidecar: Use Your iPad as a Second Display
Need more screen space? Sidecar turns your iPad into a secondary display.
How to Enable Sidecar
- Connect your iPad via Wi-Fi or USB.
- Click the Display icon in Control Center.
- Select “Use as Extended Display”.
Great for graphic designers, multitaskers, and video editors needing extra screen real estate.
14. Live Text: Copy Text from Images Instantly
With Live Text, macOS lets you select and copy text directly from images.
How to Use Live Text
- Open an image in Preview or Photos.
- Hover over text and select it like normal text.
- Copy and paste anywhere.
Perfect for saving info from receipts, business cards, and screenshots without retyping.
15. Mac Automations: Save Time with Shortcuts App
The Shortcuts app lets you automate repetitive tasks with ease.
Examples of Useful Shortcuts
- Batch rename files in Finder.
- Convert images to different formats.
- Set up automated workflows like opening a set of apps at startup.
This feature is a game-changer for productivity!
Conclusion
macOS is loaded with features that enhance productivity, organization, and security—yet many users don’t take full advantage of them. Whether you’re looking to streamline your workflow, secure your data, or enhance your browsing experience, these top macOS features will help you get the most out of your Mac.
Start using these hidden macOS gems today and unlock your Mac’s full potential!
FAQs
1. How can I quickly find files on macOS?
Use Spotlight Search (Command + Spacebar) to search for files, apps, and even perform calculations instantly.
2. Can I use my iPad as a second screen for my Mac?
Yes! Use Sidecar to turn your iPad into an extended display for multitasking.
3. How do I transfer files between Macs without USB?
Use AirDrop for fast, wireless file sharing between Apple devices.
4. How do I stop notifications while working?
Enable Focus Mode in System Settings to minimize distractions.
5. Is there a way to copy text from images on macOS?
Yes! Use Live Text to extract text from images easily.
